I attended a telecon with Welsh Government officials and the other education unions this morning.

In these unprecedented times, the Cabinet Minister for Education understands the workforce’s concerns and said the following:

The Welsh Government will lead on the measures that will be required in schools in Wales, prioritising what is best for learners and the workforce.

It is important to keep schools open for as long as possible, in order to support key workers who may otherwise have to care for their children, and to ensure that childcare does not fall on adults who may be vulnerable to coronavirus.

Accountability measures such as attendance of staff and pupils, performance and exam results will be temporarily abandoned, and everything will be done to identify unnecessary burdens on schools.

This is a constantly changing situation and the Welsh Government is open to recognising the challenges on a day-by-day basis.

A letter from the Cabinet Minister will be sent later on today to local authorities and schools, which Voice will also share as soon as we receive it.

Your concerns

In particular, please let me know what guidance would be helpful to be placed on Hwbin order to assist with providing online education, and to communicate with parents, in the event that schools have to close.